First Marine Aircraft Wing press packet

Item

derivative filename/jpeg
363-01223 to 363-01267.pdf
Digital Object Identifier
363-01223 to 363-01267
Title
First Marine Aircraft Wing press packet
Description
Press packet that includes "First Marine Aircraft Wing," "The Force Logistic Command Story," a table of contents, biographies and portraits of Major General Norman J. Anderson and Brigadier General Robert P. Keller, "Brief History of the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing," "The 1st Marine Aircraft Wing in Vietnam," "Significant Operations of the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing in the Republic of Vietnam," "1st Marine Aircraft Wing Support of Other Unit Operations," a map of I Corps, "Commanding Generals of the First Marine Aircraft Wing," and "The Mission--And How It Is Fulfilled." The packet also includes photos of First Marine Aircraft Wing planes, including a F8 Crusader, a TF9J Cougar, an EA-6A, a F4B Phantom, a CH-46 Sea Knight, a CH53A Sea Stallion, an UH1E Huey, an UH34D, an O1C, a KC-13OF Hercules, a C-117, an US-2B, a RF4B Phantom, an EF10B Skynight, an A4 Skyhawk, and an A6A Intruder.
AI Usage Disclosure
Draft transcripts were automatically generated via Google Document AI and are currently under review. Please report significant errors to Archives & Special Collections at archives@unl.edu.
Transcript
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- Page 1
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31 July 1967
FIRST MARINE AIRCRAFT WING
The 1st Marine Aircraft Wing flies missions in support of III MAF, 7th Air
Force, Task Force 77, and allied forces operating in the Republic of Vietnam.
Personnel strength of the Wing fluctuates around the 16,000 figure. The
aircraft inventory includes 16 different types of aircraft.
The Wing has two helicopter groups, three fixed wing groups, a support group
and a headquarters group. Wing headquarters, one fixed wing group and the
support group are located at Da Nang. Other installations include Chu Lai
(two fixed wing groups and one helicopter group); Marble Mountain (one
helicopter group); Phu Bai (helicopter squadrons); Dong Ha and Khe Sanh
(helicopter squadrons).
Wing aircraft log approximately 1600 sorties every day. Included in this
figure are some 240 fighter attack sorties and more than 1300 helo sorties.
In addition, Marine aircraft fly approximately 28 missions over North.
Vietnam (fighter/attack and electronic countermeasures) during an average
24 hour period in support of III MAF, the Air Force and the Navy.
Among the fighter attack aircraft assigned are A-4E Skyhawks, A-6A Intruders.
F-4B Phantoms and F-8E Crusaders. For the support/recon role are TF-9J Cougars
RF-4 Phantoms, EA-6A Intruders, EF-10B Skynights, and 0-10 observation
craft. Carrying the brunt of the transport load and doubling as flare ships
are the C-117 and the KC-130 which also is used for aerial refueling. The
US-2B is used in a utility role.
With the addition of a squadron of CH-53A helicopters, the free world's
largest and fastest transport helo, the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing now has
four types of helicopters in Vietnam. The CH-46A Seaxnight and the UH-34D
Seahorse are used for transporting troops, re-supply, and medical evacua-
tion missions. The UH-1E Iroquois also has a variety of missions including
armed support, medical evacuations, observation. The CH-53A Sea Stallions
transport troops and supplies and are used extensively for retrieving downed
helicopters.
The commander of the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing is Major General Norman J.
Anderson who also serves as Deputy Commander, III Marine Amphibious Force
(Air).
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THE FORCE LOGISTIC COMMAND STORY
Force Logistic Command is the biggest supply and support
outfit in Marine Corps history. Its job is logistic support
for the 75,000 Marines fighting in Vietnam's I Corps.
The command was born March 15, 1966 when existing supply
and support "nits, including the 1st Force Service Regiment
were placed "nder one command. Since Oct. 1967, FLC has been
commanded by Brigadier General Harry C. Olson, a combat vet-
eran of World War II and Korea.
- The command, made up of almost 10,000 Marines, is head-
quartered at Camp Books, eight miles northwest of Da Nang.
Three of FLC's nine battalions are at Books. - Headquarters
and Service Bn., Supply Bn. and 7th Motor Transport Bn.
Other nits are scattered throughout I Corps, from Chu Lai
to the DMZ.
Located west of the Da Nang airfield are Maintenance Bn.,
which repairs and maintains combat equipment for III Marine
Amphibious Force Marines, and the 1st and 3rd Military Polico
Battalions. The MP battalions provide security forces for
III MAF, sentry and scot dog platoons, security for the Da
Nang airfield and the III MAF bridge and various other socur-
ity and policing missions as assigned.
Force Logistic Support Group-Alpha at Ph Bai and Force
Logistic Support Group-Bravo at Dong Ha are subordinate FLC
"nits who supply and support Marine "nits in northern I Corps.
Elements of these "nits are at Khe San, Col Co Island and
Ca Viet.
Supporting Republic of Korea Marines in southern I Corps
is a supply company from FLSG-B based at Ch Lai.
Fifth Communication Bn., located in East Da Nang pro-
vidos communications support for Marine combat outfits
throughout I Corps as well as garrison "nits.
Maintenance Battalion's five companies, Ordnance, Elec-
tronic, General Supply, Engineer and Motor Transport repair
any Marine gear that can be fixed in Vietnam.
To repair gear that cannot be brought to the shops, esch
company sends "contact teams" into the field to make on-the-
spot repairs. Equipment serviced can range from a 93,000
pound, 8-inch self-propelled gun to a 2½ pound, 45 caliber
pistol.
1
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FLC Story 2-2-2-2-2
Both FLSG-A and FLSG-B have maintenance companies doing
similar jobs in the north.
The III MAF Transient Facility and its Rešt and Relax-
ation center are operated by FLC. Besides housing men head-
ed for R&R, the focility provides temporary housing for
transient personnel going to and from the U. S.
When a nit is in a remote area, is cut-off in a combat
operation, or needs on-the-spot quick delivery, the Air De-
livery Platoon goes into action, parachuting supplies into
the outfit.
Not all FLC units are concerned with supply, maintenance
and service support. The ticklish task of disarming duds
or booby traps placed by the enemy is the job of the Ex-
plosive Ordnance Disposal teams. The EOD men are also
called "pon to disorm bombs on disabled aircraft.
Taking care of the human remains of men who are battle
casualties is the task of the Graves Registration Section
assigned to each medical battalion. Men working in these
sections do so on a strictly volunteer basis.
Helping keep morale high are the mobile laundry, bakery
and ice cream "nits operated by FLC. These "nits are able
to go into the field to serve troops.
The Data Processing Platoon provides inventory control
support for the basic supply mission and for personnel ac-
counting and assigns Marines in accordance with their skills
and ability. The platoon operates the only "IBM 360" computer
in Vietnam.
Over a million gallons of fuel per day are pumped to
Marine nits. throughout I Corps by FLC's 7th Separate Bulk
Fel Co. This specialized "nit was designed and developed
to serve bulk fel requirements which were normally "mon-
handled" over roads and beaches, making delivery require-
ments extremely difficult. The "hose-humpers". as they are
called "tilize modern fel handling equipment to efficiently
service all fel requirements.
و
Another specialized organization in the command is an
ammunition company, which controls ammunition "sed by Mar-
ines in Vietnam.
Seventh Motor Transport Battalion, has companies located
at Camp Books and at Ph Bai. The battalion has greatly
increased the transportation facilities for supplying Marine
"nits by truck convoys. Several times each month, the bat-
talion makes up port of large convoys going to such places.
as Dong Ha and He.
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FLC Story 3-3-3-3-3
Three Combined Action Platoons, Q-4, 2-5 and Q-6 are
sitated near FLC's Camp Books headquarters, within a 25-
minte drive from Da Nang.
In the realm of Civic Action, the Force Logistic Command
has a contining program for building schools, rolocating ham-
lets and providing building materials for local orphanages
at Camp Books, Phu Bai and Chu Lai.
One of the command's biggest civic action projects is
the Children's Hospital located on the Camp Books compound.
Through combined efforts of the Marines of Force Logistic
Command, hospital corpsmen and Seabees the Children's Hos-
pital has given medical care to thousands of Vietnamese
children. The hospital's new building will triple present
facilities.
Designed to servo a population of 30,000 people within
a radius of two or three miles of Camp Books, the hospital
sometimes treats children from as far away as Dong Ha,
the DMZ.
near
The Medical Civic Action Program (MedCap) is becoming
more extensive in the area and acts as a screening agency
for the hospital, as well as treating patients of all ages
in the villages.
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Page
1-2
3-4
5-6
7-9
10-12
13
14
ENCLOSURE (1)
1st MARINE AIRCRAFT WING
PRESS KIT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Title
Biography and photograph
Commanding General
Biography and Photograph
Assistant Wing Commander
Brief History of the 1st MAW
1st MAW in Vietnam
List of Operations in Vietnam
participated in by 1st MAW
Map of I Corps
Commanding Generals
Aircraft of the 1st MAW
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MAJOR GENERAL NORMAN J. ANDERSON, USMC
Commanding General, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing
Major General Norman Jacob Anderson was born February 7, 1913 at
Manitowoc, Wis., and completed high school at Glendale, Calif. He
graduated from the University of California at Los Angeles in 1934 with
an AB degree and completed a year of postgraduate study at Stanford
University in 1935, prior to enlisting in the Marine Corps Reserve.
Appointed an aviation cadet, he completed flight training at Pensacola,
Fla., in 1937 and was commissioned a Marine Reserve second lieutenant.
When war erupted, he was serving as Aide to the Commanding Gen-
eral, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing. Overseas, he took part in combat with
MAG-25 in the Solomons. Later, he flew more than 100 bombing missions
as commander of VMB-423 in the Bismarck and Philippines areas, earning
three Distinguished Flying Cresses and seven Air Medals.
Following the war, he commanded an aircraft engineering squadron at
El Tore; completed the Junior Course at Quantice in 1947; and headed the
Air Section, Amphibious Warfare School.
Upon the outset of hostilities in Korea, he was ordered to the
Western Pacific as Deputy Commander, MAG-33. Based aboard the USS BADOENG
STRAIT, he flew 57 missions and earned the Silver Star Medal for gallantry
in aerial combat in the Pusan Perimeter fighting. He also earned a fourth
Distinguished Flying Cross and his eighth through tenth Air Medals.
He was next assigned to the Pacific Fleet Evaluation Group; completed
the National War College in 1953; and headed the Air Section, Tactics and
Techniques Board, Development Center, at Quantico (1953-56), and the
Policy Analysis Division, HQMC (1956-59). In the fall of 1959, he com-
pleted jet transitional training then reported to the 1st MAW in Japan as
Commanding Officer, MAG-11, operating from airfields and aircraft car-
riers throughout the Western Pacific.
During 1961, he served at the National War College and as a member
of a board convened to examine the organization of Headquarters Marine
Corps. Promoted to brigadier general in November 1961, he served con-
secutively at HQMC as Deputy Assistant Chief of Staff (G-3), Assistant to
the Deputy Chief of Staff (Plans) for Joint Matters, and Deputy Chief of
Staff (Air).
General Anderson became Assistant Wing Commander, 2d MAW, in
November 1963. The following March, he assumed duties as Commanding
General, Marine Corps Air Bases, Eastern Area, and Marine Corps Air
Station, Cherry Point, N.C., and served in that capacity until assuming
command of the 2d MAW in May 1966. He was promoted to major general in
January 1966. He assumed his present command during June 1967.
The General and his wife, the former Irene Fernandez of Northfield,
Vt., have two children, Norman and Kirk.
(Revised June 1967 1st MAW)
USMC
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ANDERSON
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BRIGADIER GENERAL ROBERT P. KELLER USMC
Assistant Wing Commander, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing
Robert Prescott Keller, a Naval Aviator, and holder of the Silver Star Medal and
three Distinguished Flying Crosses was born in Oakland, California, on February 9, 1920.
He graduated from Castlemont High School and attended the University of California at
Berkeley. As a result of civilian schooling in later years, he received a Bachelor of
Science degree from the University of Maryland, and a Master of Arts degree from
George Washington University.
He enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve in 1940, and was ordered to active duty for
flight training. He was commissioned a second lieutenant and received his wings in
July 1941.
Lieutenant Keller served as an instructor at Pensacola, Florida, progressing to the
rank of captain. In 1943, he joined Marine Fighter Squadron 212 and deployed to Midway
Island in the Pacific. He was promoted to major and transferred to Marine Fighter
Squadron 223, serving as Executive Officer and later Commanding Officer. He destroyed
one enemy aircraft and damaged two others, in aerial combat.
Returning to the United States in 1944, he completed night-fighter training and
deployed to Okinawa in 1945 as Commanding Officer of Marine Night Fighter Squadron 533.
When the war ended, Major Keller and his squadron flew to Peiping, China, to assist in
the repatriation of Japanese forces. In January 1947 he attended the Amphibious Warfare
School. After graduation he reported to Pensacola, Florida, for assignmentsas Aviation
Safety Officer. He attended the Air Command and Staff College at the Air University in
Montgomery, Alabama in 1948. Upon completion of the course in 1949, he was ordered to
El Toro, California, as Executive Officer and later Commanding Officer, of Marine Fighter
Squadron 214.
He deployed with the initial Marine Corps Forces to reach Korea in 1950. Early in
1951, he became Tactical Air Support and Helicopter Operations Officer, Tactics and
Techniques Board, Marine Corps Development Center, Quantico, Virginia. He was promoted
toolieutenant colonel in January, 1951. Transferred to Camp Lejeune, North Carolina
in June 1952, he then was ordered to Headquarters Marine Corps. In January, 1956,
Lieutenant Colonel Keller became a student at the Armed Forces Staff College, Norfolk,
Virginia. That summer, he was assigned to the Staff of the Commander-in-Chief, Allied
Forces, Southern Europe in Naples, Italy.
Upon his return to the United States in August 1958, he underwent helicopter
training and in November of that year became Executive Officer of Marine Aircraft Group-
16 in Japan. Promoted to Colonel in October 1959, he served thereafter until February
1960, as Assistant Chief of Staff, G-3, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing at Iwakuni.
Returning to the United States, Colonel Keller reported to the Armed Forces College,
as a member of the faculty from March 1960 to June 1963. Ordered to El Toro, California,
he became Assistant Chief of Staff, G-5 (Plans), Aircraft, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific.
In June 1964, Colonel Keller was assigned to the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing. He became
Commanding Officer, Marine Aircraft Group-15 in July 1964. In June 1965 he received
orders to Headquarters Marine Corps, as Head, Joint and Special Plans Team, Joint
Planning Group. In March 1966, he was assigned to duty as Assistant Director of the
Joint Planning Group. He was promoted to brigadier general in August 1966, and assigned
as Deputy Assistant Chief of Staff, G-3 until reassigned in April as AWC, 1st MAW..
The general and his wife, the former Lucille Norris of Rensacola, Florida, have two
sons; Robert P. Jr., and Ronald R. and two daughters; Anne Elaine and Joan Elizabeth.
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KELLER
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BRIEF HISTORY OF THE 1st MARINE AIRCRAFT WING
The 1st Marine Aircraft Wing was commissioned at Quantico,
Virginia, on July 7, 1941. Under the command of LtCol. Louis
E. Woods, it initially consisted of a Headquarters Squadron and
Marine Aircraft Group - 1, which was shortly redesignated Marine
Aircraft Group-11.
Twenty-four hours after the attack on Pearl Harbor, the First
Wing, now consisting of six squadrons, was ordered to the West
Coast. Its mission, similar to that of Army and Navy aviation units
was the defense of the coast. By March 1942 the Wing had expanded
to five Air Groups. Of these new groups, Marine Aircraft Group-
13 was the only one to be ordered overseas; this group provided
air defense of Samoa.
On August 20, 1942, Marine Aircraft Group-23, which had joined
the Wing from the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, landed at Henderson
Field on Guadalcanal to support the First Marine Division in the
first offensive action in the war. BGen. Roy S. Geiger, Wing
Commander, shortly thereafter assumed command of all aviation units
in the Guadalcanal area.
In December 1942, the First Wing was relieved at Guadalcanal
but continued to support the Second Wing logistically and to dispatch
units to the New Caledonia-New Hebrides area.
By March of 1943 all units of the First Wing had ceased
operating in the Guadalcanal area and began to work through New
Georgia, New Guinea, and other islands. Marine landings at Pelileu
were supported by the First Wing, and the battle for the Philippines
again saw them in action.
The Marine technique of close air support flying was demonstrated
in 1945 when the First Wing aided the Army in round-the-clock
support of the Philippines.
After WW II ended, the First Wing was ordered to North China
to assist the First Marine Division in the occupation of the area,
and to protect American interests in the civil strife rampant
in this section.
In 1946 and 1947, units of the First Wing were returned to
the United States or disbanded, and the Wing was returned to the
United States Marine Corps Air Station, El Toro, Calif.
-more-
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BRIEF HISTORY
2-2-2
The First Wing was back in conbat in the Korean conflict. Marine
Aircraft Group-33 operated in the Pusan perimeter and after the Inchon
landing, all Wing units were committed to full scale operations in
support of United Nations forces.
It was during this war that the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing pioneered
the use of the helicopter for tactical lift in combat.
In July 1956 the First Wing moved to Iwakuni, Atsugi and Oppama,
Japan. Wing units took part in the defense of Taiwan and numerous
large and small scale training maneuvers in the Far East before
being assigned to Vietnam.
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THE 1ST MARINE AIRCRAFT WING IN VIETNAM
Increments of Marine Helicopter Squadron-362, commanded by
Lt Col. Archie J. CLARP, were the first unit fo the 1st Marine
Aircraft Wing to serve in Vietnam.
Beginning Apr. 15, 1962 the operation, dubbed "ShuFly",
continued without interruption until March 1965 when the 9th
Marine Amphibious Brigade landed at Da Nang. "Shufly" was
headquartered initially at Soc Trang and later Da Nang. The
operation provided helicopter support for Vietnamese units and
conducted training programs for Vietnamese aviators who were to
operate the UH-34's provided to the Vietnamese Air Force.
Prior to April of 1965, the only fixed wing Marine aircraft
in Vietnam were several 0-1B light observation aircraft performing
visual and photographic observation missions and transient KG-130's
which provided logistical flights in support of "Shufly".
In April 1965, the first Marine Corps F-4B "Phantom" jets
were added to the aviation inventory in Vietnam. (The Marine Corps
uses the F-4B both as a fighter and as an attack aircraft.) In
May, additional F-4B's were stationed at Da Nang. On May 11, 1965,
MajGen. Paul J. FONTANA, arrived in Vietnam, and established
Headquarters (Advanced) for the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing at Da Nang.
On June 1, the A-4 "Skyhawk", bulwark of Marine close air
support was introduced. They were assigned to Chu Lai, where they
began operations just three weeks after construction was started
on an expeditionary airfield. This field was built on a spot which
was previously deserted wasteland. The first night launch of A-4
aircraft from this field was flown by Marine Aircraft Group-12 on
July 5.
The first Marine Corps night helicopter assault in the
Republic of Vietnam was made by Marine Aircraft Group-36 on August
12. On September 1, construction began on the Ky Ha airfield at
Chu Lai for Marine Aircraft Group-36.
Another first, tactical use of an airborne Marine Corps
Direct Air Support Center (DASC) was realized September 7-10, when
a VMGR-152 KC-130F equipped with special communations package
operated over the battle field for 9 hours on the first day of
OPERATION PIRANHA.
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1st MAW in Vietnam
add 2-2-2
The F-8E "Crusader" deployed to Vietnam when VMF(AW)-312
joined MAG-11 at Da Nang on December 19. The announced 30-hour
Christmas cease fire on December 24-25 commenced as scheduled and
was later extended on the 25th at the direction of higher authority.
1st Marine Aircraft Wing offensive air operations resumed at 1215
December 26, when a flight of VMA-211 A-4E's were diverted from a
helicopter escort mission to strike a Viet Cong trenchline complex.
By the end of 1965:
Marine Medium Helicopter Squadrons were averaging about
20,000 sorties per month in support of military operations
in the III MAF area, and hauling an average of 40,000
passengers and 2,200 tons of cargo.
Marine Observation Squadrons were averaging about 2,000
missions per month.
Tactical and fixed wing squadrons of F-4B's, F-8's and
A-4's were averaging approximately 2,500 combat sorties per
month, and delivering from 1,600 to 2,000 tons of ordnance
in their air support role.
Total sorties flown, ordnance delivered and troops and cargo
heli-lifted during the months of the rainy season in the III MAF
area did not differ significantly from the average figures for
all months.
During the first six months of 1966, the 1st Marine Aircraft
Wing supplied close air support for more than 25 combat operations
while at the same time expanding the civil affairs program
throughout the I Corps Area. Elements of Marine Wing Support
Group-17 entered Vietnam, May 31, 1966.
In July, the 1st Wing surpassed every record set for close
air support of a combat operation, when Operation Hastings began
July 15.
On the first day of the operation, MAG-16 deployed 2,200
Marines and 1,400 soldiers of the Army of the Republic of Vietnam
within the zone. In all, 9,864 helicopter sorties were flown
1,301 jet aircraft sorties were flown, with 479 ordnance strikes
carrying 672 tons of bombs. In addition, Marine transport aircraft
brought in millions of pounds of men, munitions and supplies.
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1ST MAW IN VIETNAM
3-3-3
On August 10, a second runway was completed at Da Nang, to handle
the increase of air traffic.
On September 24, Marine Aircraft Group-13 elements arrived in
Vietnam, and in October 1966 opened a new airfield at Chu Lai, with
a 10,000 foot runway.
November 1, saw the first A6A "Intruder", newest fixed wing
aircraft in the Marine Air arsenal join Marine Aircraft Group-11
at Da Nang.
By the end of 1966:
Fighter, Attack and Bomber aircraft of the 1st Marine
Aircraft Wing flew a total of more than 61,000 sorties.
1st Marine Aircraft Wing helicopters lifted over 500,000
passengers and 32,000 tons of cargo, flying more than 400,000 sorties.
Transport aircraft ferried more than 245,000 passengers
and more than 39,000 tons of cargo.
In addition, the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing provided air support
for Task Force 77 and the 7th Air Force. Marines flew more than
1,000 sorties for the Task Force and over 18,000 for the Air Force.
In January 1967, the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing added the free
world's largest and fastest production helicopter, the CH53A, to
it's inventory.
Elements of the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing are now operating from
Chu Lai, Ky Ha, Marble Mountain, Phu Bai and Dong Ha, with Wing
Headquarters at Da Nang.
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SIGNIFICANT OPERATIONS OF THE 1ST MARINE AIRCRAFT WING IN THE REPUBLIC
OF VIETNAM FROM AUGUST 1965 TO JULY 1967
CODE NAME
STARLIGHT
PIRANHA
BLACK FERRET
BLUE MARLIN
DAGGER THRUST
HARVEST MOON
LONG LANCE
DOUBLE EAGLE
UTAH
TEXAS
OREGON
INDIANA
ORANGE
10-12 Nov 65
28 Nov-1 Dec 66
9-21 Dec 65
5-8 Jan 66
INCLUSIVE DATES
CODE NAME
INCLUSIVE DATES
18-24 Aug 65
OTTOWA
20-22 Aug 66
7-10 Sep 65
JACKSON
3-5 Nov 65
TROY
NAPA
FRESNO
COFFEE
27-29 Aug 66
2-4 Sep 66
5-14 Sep 66
8-16 Sep 66
24-25 Sep 66
PAWNEE II
8-14 Sep 66
7-12 Sep 66
4-8 Mar 66
MONTEREY
20-25 Mar 66
KENT
20-23 Mar 66
TETON
28-30 Mar 66
DOVER
1-11 Apr 66
(Resumed 26-30 Oct 66)
BACON
10-15 Oct 66
12-20 Oct 66
19-23 Oct 66
19-28 Oct 66
MADISON
28 Jan-1 Mar 66
CANNON
29-30 Sep 66
IOWA
NEVADA
HOT SPRINGS
VIRGINIA
GEORGIA
CHEROKEE
WAYNE
MONTGOMERY
ATHENS
8-9 Apr 66
12-17 Apr 66
21-23 Apr 66
27 Apr-10 May 66
21 Apr 10 May 66
5-7 May 66
10-12 May 66
9-14 May 66
15 May 25 Jun 66
16-17 May 66
20-22 May 66
25-28 May 66
YUMA
MORGAN
MOBILE
BEAVER
1-9 Jun 66
APACHE
DODGE
FLORIDA
KANSAS
OAKLAND
JAY
HOLT
MACON
WASHINGTON
HASTINGS
FRANKLIN
BUCKS
PRAIRIE
COLORADO
WILCOX
SWANEE
6-12 Jun 66
7-23 Jun 66
9-12 Jun 66
15-28 Jun 66
29 Jun-1 Jul 66
25 Jun-2 Jul 66
1-6 Jul 66
4 Jul-28 Oct 66
6 Jul-14 Jul 66
15 Jul-3 Aug 66
26-29 Jul 66
KERN
PAWNEE III
SHASTA
MISSISSIPPI
ARCADIA
SUTTER
TRINIDAD II
GLENN
STERLING
SHASTA II
CHINOOK
LINCOLN
SIENE
CLEVELAND
TUSCALOOSA
DE SOTO
TRINITY/SHARK
SEARCY
CLAY
INDEPENDENCE
PRAIRIE II
STONE
CHINOOK II
3 Aug 66-31 Jan 67 RIO GRANDE
2-8 Aug 66
6-22 Aug 66
11-12 Aug 66
14-21 Aug 66
GIANT DRAGON
ALLEGHENY
PAWNEE
20-29 Aug 66
26 Aug 6 Sep 66
PULASKI
LANOKE
LAFAYETTE
GULF
21-23 Oct 66
21-25 Oct 66
29 Oct-24 Dec 66
5-19 Nov 66
9-14 Nov 66
29 Nov-7 Dec 66
1-6 Dec 66
8 Dec-11 Dec 66
17-21 Dec 66
11-16 Dec 66
20-21 Dec 66
19 Dec-16 Feb 67
5-9 Jan 67
5-14 Jan 67
24-25 Jan 67
24-28 Jan 67
26 Jan-7 Apr 67
30 Jan-1 Feb 67
1 Feb-9 Feb 67
1-3 Feb 67
1 Feb-9 Feb 67
1 Feb-18 Mar 67
2 Feb-22 Feb 67
17 Feb-4 Apr 67
17 Feb-22 Feb 67
17 Feb-22 Feb 67
24-27 Feb 67
26-28 Feb 67
26 Feb-7 Mar 67
4-7 Mar 67
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CODE NAME
YUBA
TIPPECANOE
PRAIRIE III
NEW CASTLE
BEACON HILL
EARLY
PERRY
BOONE
BIG HORN
CANYON
DIXIE
SEA DRAGON
HUMBOLT
LAWRENCE
YELL
GRAND
SHAWNEE
UNION
BEACON STAR
HAPPY DRAGON
MALHEUR
CROCKETT
WEBSTER
BEAU CHARGER
HICKORY
INCLUSIVE DATES
CODE NAME
10-12 Mar 67
BUTLER
ARIZONA
13-18 Mar 67
19 Mar-19 Apr 67
22-25 Mar 67
20 Mar-1 Apr 67
24-25 Mar 67
25-27 Mar 67
1 Apr-7 Apr 67
5-21 Apr 67
6-10 Apr 67
7-10 Apr 67
1-7 Apr 67
13-17 Apr 67
17-19 Apr 67
18-20 Apr 67
21-26 Apr 67
22 Apr-21 May 67
21 Apr-17 May 67
23 Apr-12 May 67
5-11 May 67
11 May 8 June 67
13 May-16 Jul 67
16-18 May 67
18-26 May 67
ADAIR
BROWN
BEACON TORCH
CALHOUN
MARYLAND
BUTLER
ELLIOT
BEAVER TRAP
BEAR CLAW
LAKE
BUFFALO
FREMONT
GEM
HICKORY II
KINGFISHER
ARDMORE
BEAR CHAIN
PECOS
BEACON GUIDE
STOCKTON
INCLUSIVE DATES
10-12 Jun 67
14-22 Jun 67
15-24 Jun 67
18-22 Jun 67
18 Jun-1 Jul 67
25 Jun-1 Jul 67
25-28 Jun 67
10-12 Jun 67
5-6 Jul 67
4-18 Jul 67
3-19 Jul 67
6-12 Jul 67
2-14 Jul 67
10 Jul-
12-15 Jul 67
14-16 Jul 67
16 Jul 67
17 Jul 67
20-26 Jul 67
20-27 Jul 67
21 Jul 67
27-29 Jun 67
17-28 May 67
THUNDER DRAGOON
17-27 May 67
DUVAL
19-25 May 67
BELT TIGHT
CHOCTAW
UNION II
CIMARRON
CUMBERLAND
COLGATE
ANGRY DRAGOON
MALHEUR
BEAR BITE
20-25 May 67
22 May-9 Jul 7
26 May-5 Jun 67
1 Jun-2 Jul 67
3 Jun-17 Jul 67
7-11 Jun 67
5-7 Jun 67
8 Jun-
2-5 Jun 67
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--------------------
1ST MARINE AIRCRAFT WING SUPPORT OF OTHER UNIT OPERATIONS
CODE NAME
INCLUSIVE DATES
UNIT
ROLESTAR
22 Aug-25 Sep 66
ROKMC
LEE
29 Aug-25 Oct. 66
ROKMC
DRAGON EYE
9-27 Nov 66
ROKMC
DAWN
1-7 Dec 66
ROKMC
GIANT DRAGON
17 Feb-22 Feb 67
ROKMC
1-7 Apr 67
SEA DRAGON
HAPPY DRAGON
THUNDER DRAGON
ANGRY DRAGON
ANGRY DRAGON II
DRAGON HEAD
DRAGON HEAD II
DRAGON HEAD III
5-11 May 67
17-27 May 67
5-7 Jun 67
7-14 Jun 67
3-11 July 67
15-17 July 67
18-26 Jul 67
THE 1ST MARINE AIRCRAFT WING SUPPORTED AMPHIBIOUS OPERATIONS FOR
DECKHOUSE 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6
ROKMC
ROKMC
ROKMC
ROKMC
ROKMC
ROKMC
ROKMC
ROKMC
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--------------------
MAP OF I CORPS
QUANG TRI (PROV)
DONG HA
KE SANH
CZ
N
THUA THIEN (PROV)
QUANG NAM (PROV)
PHU BAI
DA NANG
MARBLE MTN
KY HA
CHU LÊN
QUANG TIN (PROV)
QUANG NGAI (PROV)
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--------------------
COMMANDING GENERALS OF THE FIRST MARINE AIRCRAFT WING
Lieutenant Colonel L. E. WOODS
Brigadier General R. S. GEIGER
Major General R. J. MITCHELL
Brigadier General J. T. MOORE
Major General R. J. MITCHELL
Major General L. E. WOODS
Colonel H. C. MAJOR
Brigadier General L. G. MERRITT
Major General C. A. LARKIN
Major General L. E. WOODS
Brigadier General L. H. M. SANDERSON
Brigadier General W. L. MCKITTRICK
Major General L. E. WOODS
Brigadier General T. F. CUSHMAN
Major General F. HARRIS
Brigadier General R. F. CUSHMAN
Brigadier General C. F. SCHILT
Brigadier General C. C. JEROME
Major General V. E. MEGEE
Major General A. D. COOLEY
Brigadier General V. J. MCCAUL
Brigadier General M. L. DAWSON
Brigadier General S. S. JACK
Brigadier General D. F. O'NEILL
Brigadier General A. F. BINNEY
Major General C. H. HAYES
Major General 6. A. ROBERTS
Major General R. C. MANGRUM
Major General A. R. KIER
Major General J. P. CONDON
Major General F. E. LEEK
Major General F. C. THARIN
Major General J. F. FONTANA
Major General K. B. MCCUTCHEON
Major General L. B. ROBERTSHAW
Major General N. J. ANDERSON
7Jul41-20 Aug41
21 Aug41-20Apr43
21 Apr43-31Jan44
1Feb44-14Jun44
15Jul44-4Jun45
5Jun45-5Jun45
6Jun45-9Jun45
10Jun45-9Aug45
10 Aug45-1Nov45
2Nov45-24Jun46
24Jun46-15Jul47
16Jul47-30Sep47
10ct47-31Jul49
1 Aug49-19 Aug49
20 Aug49-28May51
29May51-27Jul51
28Jul51-11 Apr52
12 Apr52-8 Jan53
9Jan53-4Dec53
5Dec53-25Mar54
26Mar54-24 Aug54
25 Aug54-24Sep55
25Sep55-30Jun56
1Jul56-30Dec56
31 Dec56-15Dec57
16Dec57-2Apr59
3Apr59-1Nov59
2Nov59-20Apr60
21Apr60-3Jun61
4Jun61-12Jun62
13Jun62-29Jun63
30Jun63-26Jun64
27Jun64-5Jun65
6Jun65-15May66
16May 66-31May 67
1Jun67-
--------------------
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--------------------
III MARINE AMPHIBIOUS FORCE
The Mission - And How It Is Fulfilled
The III Marine Amphibious Force mission in I Corps is to
assist the South Vietnamese to defeat the enemy trying to seize
their country and to help them build their nation. This
requires: (1) The defense of the highly strategic airfields at
Da Nang, Chu Lai and Phu Bai%; (2) The destruction of the NVA
and main force VC in I Corps%;B (3) The conduct of a vigorous
civil operations and revolutionary development support (CORDS)
offensive; and (4) The destruction of the guerrilla
infrastructure of the Viet Cong.
Some 75,000 Marines and 21,000 Army troops are operating
from combat bases in I Corps in accomplishing this mission.
The III Marine Amphibious Force has five major commands: 1st
Marine Division, 3d Marine Division, the Americal Division
(U.S. Army), 1st Marine Aircraft Wing and Force Logistics
Command.
Major operating areas have been established at Da Nang,
Chu Lai, Phu Bai, Dong Ha and Duc Pho. These areas comprise
some 2,054 square miles.
The second part of the mission, destruction of the enemy,
has been pursued during the first two years ashore by means of
more than 200 major operations of battalion size or larger since
March 1965.
Interest of late has been centered on heavy fighting in the
DMZ area, the coastal plains and in operating areas south of
Da Nang, where heavy casualties have been inflicted on
--------------------
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--------------------
2
North Vietnamese forces by Marines, Army, ROKMC and ARVN
forces in a series of hard fought actions against an enemy backed
by artillery, mortars, rockets and field fortifications.
In addition, offensive action against guerrillas is being
pressed by 'round the clock small unit operations. From June
1965 through Aug. 1967, for example, III MAF units have conducted
more than 304,000 small unit operations of company size or
smaller. These operations have been conducted at a rate of
over 1200 in each 24-hour period since the first of 1967. The
strangle hold on the village is maintained by the guerrilla
and this offensive will directly support our CORDS offensive.
As the destruction of the enemy takes place, and as the
villages and hamlets become secure and cleared of guerrillas, the
CORDS offensive pushes forward to rebuild the economy and the
social and political life of the people.
Marines have learned that in order to win this war they
must not only liberate the people but must also win their hearts
and trust. They are doing this through untold thousands of acts
of individual kindness and through a massive, well organized civic
affairs program that reaches into every village and hamlet in
their areas of operations.
It has been said in the past that every Marine--regardless
of his job--is a rifleman. And so it can be said in Vietnam
that every Marine regardless of his job is also a practitioner
of civil affairs--an ambassador of goodwill and in this he is
--------------------
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--------------------
3
joined by the soldiers of III MAF.
III MAF is being assisted in its overall mission by some
21,000 U.S. Army personnel, more than 18,000 Navy personnel of
the Naval Support Activity, Da Nang, the Naval Advisory Group
and the 30th Naval Construction Regiment and Navy personnel
attached to III MAF, nearly 7,000 members of the Air Force's
366th Tactical Fighter Wing, a number of Army Special Forces
and advisors, and the 2d Korean Marine Brigade.
Directing this huge military/CORD offensive is Lieutenant
General Robert E. Cushman, Jr., USMC who became Commanding
General of the III Marine Amphibious Force on June 1, 1967.
General Cushman is also Senior Advisor to the I Corps (First Corps)
Vietnamese Commander, Lieutenant General Huong Xuan Lam.
I Corps The Land And The People
I Corps, the northernmost of the four corps areas in the
Republic of Vietnam, consists of five provinces which cover
some 10,000 square miles. However, only about 30% of this area
is populated, with nearly 90% of the population living in 10%
of the area. The provinces, from north to south, are Quang Tri,
Thua Tien, Quang Nam, Quang Tin and Quang Ngai. Total population
of the five provinces is approximately 3,031,107.
The civilian population in the Da Nang area is about
400,000; at Chu Lai it is 112,800%; and at Phu Bai it is
approximately 53,000.
The population in those areas
--------------------
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--------------------
increases daily due to the influx of refugees and others
resettling in these areas. Most of the population in I
Corps is located along the coastal plain which extends inland
from one to 15 miles.
Chu Lai is 55 miles to the south of Danang, while
Phu Bai is 45 miles north of Danang.
III MAF operations are conducted in close cooperation
with leaders and units of the Army of the Republic of Vietnam.
U. S. Marines and soldiers and Vietnamese soldiers literally
fight side by side in coordinated operations.
The Enemy
Whether you think of the enemy as the hamlet guerrilla
An
or the well-trained, indoctrinated and equipped North Vietnamese
soldier, he is an elusive and determined foe. He must
endure many hardships and he is often very dedicated.
expert in the arts of camouflage, deception and ambush, he is
a hardy and ruthless fighter. But he is not invincible.
The Guerrilla. The local hamlet, village, or district
guerrilla is poorly educated and trained. He may be armed
with a few grenades, an old French or German rifle, or a
captured U.S. weapon. Although he may only be a part-time
soldier, he is an important part of the VC effort.
The local guerrilla knows the people and the terrain3B
he controls the local populace and supports VC units operating
--------------------
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--------------------
5°
in the area, He may serve the VC as a guide or sentry;
he may maintain a local cache and prepare village fortifi-
cations, or levy food or personnel requirements on the village
for regular units%3B he may conduct acts of terrorism, harassment,
or sabotage; and he may serve as an intelligence agent.
The Main Force Viet Cong. The Main Force Viet Cong
is a full-time soldier. He may have gained combat experience
against French, ARVN, or U.S. forces, or he may be a recent
recruit from the local forces.
He is outfitted
He
He is usually well-trained and equipped.
with his weapon, a few grenades, a pack, a set or two of
black pajamas, and other items of clothing and equipment.
may carry a variety of weapons, usually of U.S., French, German,
Russian or Chinese origin. His ammunition is obtained from
local caches: his unit participates in operations usually only
in his own province.
The North Vietnamese Soldier. The NVA soldier has, in
most cases, been fully indoctrinated and trained before his
long trek into South Vietnam. He has been provided a simple,
but lightweight and well-adapted set of equipment. He carries
a modern and effective Chicom copy of a Russian family of
weapons (SKS carbine, AK-47 assault rifle, RPD light machine
gun, and RPG-2 rocket launcher). The carbine, assault rifle,
and light machine gun all use a standard 7.62mm cartridge.
He has trained and infiltrated with his unit into South Vietnam.
--------------------
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--------------------
6
Detachments of the NVA operate with main force VC
units or guerrillas to provide a heavy weapons base of fire,
sappers or demolition experts, and other technical military
skills.
Background, Facts, and Figures
The first Marine units to serve in Vietnam were
elements of Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 362 which
arrived in country on April 15, 1962. The squadron provided
helicopter support for Vietnamese units and conducted training
programs for Vietnamese aviators who were to operate the
UH-34 helicopters provided to the RVN Air Force.
The first U.S. combat units to land in Vietnam were the
Marines of the 9th Marine Expeditionary Brigade who came
ashore at Da Nang on March 8, 1965. Since then the principal
goal of Marines in Vietnam has been to assist the Government
of Vietnam forces to defeat the enemy, to establish security in
the coastal lowlands of the I Corps Tactical Zone, and to
help extend government control throughout the area.
Since the Marines first landed in force and occupied
eight square miles around the Da Nang air base, the areas of
Marine, and now Marine-Army, influence have continued to expand
to a point approximating 2,054 square miles with a population of
more than 1,282,000. This has been brought about in large
measure by the Marines' aggressive determination to close with
--------------------
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--------------------
7
him--whether the enemy is a guerrilla, a hard-core main force VC,
or a North Vietnamese soldier.
A look at the record gives us a measure of the effectiveness
of III MAF combat operations against the enemy. Since March
1965, we have buried more than 28,455 of the enemy, and it may
be safely estimated that at least that many more have probably
been killed or died of wounds.
Enemy ranks have been further depleted by more than 2344
guerrillas and soldiers taken prisoner by the Marines, and the
Leathernecks have impaired his ability to wage war by capturing
more than 3,952 of his weapons.
To do this, the Marines have conducted more than 304,000
patrols and 114,000 ambushes, and have successfully conducted
more than 200 battalion size or larger operations since the
9th MEB landed at Da Nang in March 1965.
During this period, the aviation arm of the Marine air-
ground team has contributed immeasurably to the destruction of
the enemy, his installations and his supplies. Since March 1965,
Marine aviators have logged more than 128,000 fixed wing sorties
and more than 859,000 helicopter sorties in support of the
Marines and other Free World forces on the ground.
Included in the Marine aviation inventory of aircraft in
Vietnam are the A-45 "Skyhawk," F-4B "Phantom," F-8E
--------------------
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--------------------
8
"Crusader," A-6A "Intruder," KC-130 "Hercules" transport,
0-1E "Bird Dog" observation aircraft, UH-1E "Huey" light.
helicopter, CH-46 "Sea Knight" and UH-34 medium helicopters,
and the CH-53 heavy helicopter.
Before the Marines landed, Viet Cong guerrilla terrorism
permeated the daily lives of the people and they were suffering
suffering heavily. Realizing that the keystone to success lay
among the people, the Marines instituted a vigorous civic action
program designed to help the Vietnamese people achieve a higher
level of health, stability and productivity through an organized,
compassionate individual and unit effort. As Marine combat operations
brought security to the villages and hamlets, the Marine civic action
program brought health through medical treatment, food for the
hungry, and education for the young.
Conservatively, these compassionate and humanitarian
efforts have reached well over a million Vietnamese.
Again, a glance at the record reveals the progress that
has been made in the vital area of civic action during the
past two years. For example, Marines and Navy Corpsmen have provided
medical treatment for more than 2,232,451 Vietnamese and dental
treatment for 108,462.
Through village and hamlet officials, Marines have
contributed toward a better way of life for the Vietnamese
people by distributing over 265,000 pounds of
--------------------
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--------------------
9
clothing, another 265,000 pounds of soap, and more than
4,278,725 pounds of food to the Vietnamese citizens.
More important in the long run, working hand in hand
with the ARVN forces, Marines have helped the Vietnamese
people rebuild their war-torn country for the future. Convinced
that education is the key to the future, 105 schools with nearly
229 classrooms have been constructed or rebuilt by the Viet-
namese with the Marines' help.
More than 99 other buildings, such as dispensaries and
churches, have been built since March 1965 to provide for the
physical and spiritual needs of the people.
During the past year, nearly $80,000 worth of CARE
self-help kits have been distributed. These kits are designed
to aid in the development and utilization of special skills
and--in addition to school kits--include blacksmith, wood-
working, midwife, textile, masonry and similar kits.
have even distributed a number of sewing machines.
Marines
More than 130 new wells provide water, while nearly
50 new bridges and 2100 miles of roads help the Vietnamese
get their crops and goods to market. Since January 1, 1966.
alone, more than 1,020 new dwellings have been constructed to
provide shelter for Vietnamese families whose homes have been
destroyed or who have fled the Viet Cong.
The III Marine Amphibious Force realizes that it is
difficult to measure progress toward long-term goals in the
--------------------
- Page 29
--------------------
10
many-faceted war that is being fought in the Republic of
Vietnam. At the same time, there is ample evidence that
substantial progress has been made during the past two
years, and we are convinced that we are winning the war,
both against the enemy and for a new life for the Vietnamese
people.
(Revised Oct. 167)
-usmc-
--------------------
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--------------------
WT
150666
MARINES
The F8 "Crusader" is a supersonic, single seat, swept wing fighter jet.
--------------------
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--------------------
25
The TF9J "Cougar" is a single jet engine, two seat (tandem type) aircraft
utilized as a tactical airborne coordinator.
--------------------
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--------------------
The EA-6A is an electronic countermeasure-equipped version of the all
weather attack bomber, the A6A "Intruder."
--------------------
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--------------------
VW
VMFA-314
2229
MARINES
The F4B "Phantom" is a tandem type two seat supersonic fighter attack
plane equipped with twin jet engines.
--------------------
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--------------------
PET
152587
MARINES
48
PWM-264
CIENTA
The CH-46 "Sea Knight" is a turbine powered, twin rotored helicopter
designed to carry cargo and personnel.
--------------------
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--------------------
The CH53A "Sea Stallion" is a twin turbine, heavy transport helicopter.
--------------------
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--------------------
The UHLE "Huey" is a jet turbine helicopter, designed
for utility use. A Gunship version supplies close air
support.
--------------------
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--------------------
8793
MARIN
146793
362
YLSO
The UH34D is a single engine helicopter designed for
transportation of cargo and personnel including
aeromedical evacuations.
--------------------
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--------------------
ARINES
MARINES
14008
The OlC is a single-engine, two-seat light observation plane.
--------------------
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--------------------
811
UNITED STATES MAR
1498
The KC-130F "Hercules" is a four engine, long-range
aircraft designed to provide inflight refueling or
transportation of personnel or cargo.
--------------------
- Page 40
--------------------
UNITED STATES MARINES
WX
The C-117 is a twin-engine, medium range aircraft,
designed for use as a diversified cargo, personnel
or ambulance transport.
--------------------
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--------------------
UT
21
152610
The US-2B is a twin engine, propeller-driven passenger and cargo aircraft,
performing a utility role within the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing,
--------------------
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--------------------
RM
MARINES
EXP
30
The RF4B "Phantom" is a photographic/reconnaissance version of the versatilo
F4B supersonic fighter attack jet.
--------------------
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--------------------
M
16
MARINESE
The EF10B "Skynight" is a two-place twin-jet aircraft
utilizing electronics to provide intelligence and
countermeasures.
--------------------
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--------------------
22
CF
2004
MARINES
152004
VMA-211
22
The A4 "Skyhawk" is a single engine, single seat attack jet exceptionally
well suited for its close air support role.
CLEARED FOR RELEASE
--------------------
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--------------------
DT
MARINES
The A6A "Intruder" is a two seat jet-powered high altitude attack
bomber, capable of carrying heavy loads of conventional ordnance.
Date
1967, July 31 and Oct.
Subject
Vietnam War, 1961-1975; United States. Marine Corps. Marine Aircraft Wing, 1st; Maps; Press releases; Aerial operations; Generals; Keller, Robert P.; Military aircraft; Anderson, Norman J.
Location
South Vietnam
Coordinates
10.8231; 106.6297
Size
21 x 27 cm
Container
B51, F12 and B144, F5-6
Format
press kits
Collection Number
MS 363
Collection Title
Beverly Deepe Keever, Journalism Papers
Creator
United States. Marine Corps. Marine Aircraft Wing, 1st
Collector
Keever, Beverly Deepe
Copyright Information
These images are for educational use only. To inquire about usage or publication, please contact Archives & Special Collections.
Publisher
Archives & Special Collections
Language
English